Javanese shadow theatre is an ancient art form which is still performed today in Java and other neighbouring islands. The shadow puppets illustrate stories drawn from Javanese sources as well as the two Indian epics – the Mahabharata (the story of the Great War) and the Ramayana (the story of good king Rama). Performances can last through the night and are performed by a single puppeteer, known as a dalang, accompanied by an orchestra.
This puppet represents the famous character ‘Prabu Kresna’ a wise king and able statesman who ruled the Kingdom of Dwarawati well. The puppet is made of parchment pierced, painted and gilded with elaborative hairstyle and costume.
This object was offered to the museum by Mrs Margaret Dixon who lived in Sumatra from 1912 to 1933 and possibly worked there as a missionary.

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